MEDIA RELEASE PR35526
"Over the next 2-3 years we will leverage developmental capabilities and explore in-licensing and a
co-development model to consolidate our presence in Japan" - Dr. Kailash Sharma, President, Japan
Op
TOKYO, July 29 /PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ --
With a business plan to launch 8-10 new products each year, Nippon Universal Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.,
a subsidiary of the Zydus group, one of India's leading integrated pharma companies & a global healthcare
provider, is looking to give a big boost to its operations in the Japanese generic market which is still
evolving. While the total pharma market in Japan is estimated at $ 60 bn the generic market is only about
6% of this in value terms and just 18% in volume, which is very low compared to highly genericised markets
like USA and Europe. The awareness of generics in Japan is comparatively low and generics are still largely
perceived as cheaper, low quality alternatives to patented drugs. The nationwide promotion and awareness
campaign regarding the safety and efficacy of generics however is expected to change this perception and
usage in future.
Zydus was one of the few Indian companies to make an early foray in the Japan generic market. In 2007,
the group acquired Nippon Universal, a small generic company which now spearheads the group's
operations in Japan.
"Our aim clearly is to support the government's stated objective of increasing generic penetration in order
to cope up with ever increasing health expenditures. Over the next 2-3 years we will leverage developmental
capabilities and explore in-licensing and a co-development model to consolidate our presence in Japan",
said Dr. Kailash Sharma, the newly appointed President to spearhead operations in Japan.
Being one of the few pharma professionals who can combine research, strategy and marketing expertise,
Dr. Kailash Sharma is much sought after. Dr. Kailash Sharma with over 13 years of experience in the
Japan's pharma industry will be steering the group's operations in this crucial growth phase. With a
doctorate in Cell & Molecular Biology from Kurume University Medical School, Japan and an Executive MBA
from Temple University, Philadelphia, USA, Dr. Sharma has earlier worked with Eisai, Nippon Boehringer
Ingelheim and Sanofi - Aventis, Japan and has successfully managed the core functions in all phases of
drug development cycles. Last but not least, being in Japan for about 20 years, first as a doctorate
researcher and then as a pharmaceutical professional, Dr. Sharma is very well familiar and have respect for
Japanese culture, legal system, quality standards, regulatory guidelines and business practices in Japan.
With a focus on quality medicines, Nippon Universal will be leveraging Zydus' capabilities in oral solids,
injectables, biosimilars etc. While ramping up the product pipeline is important, the group's strategy would be
more country specific and focus on the unmet needs in the Japanese market. elaborating on the group's
approach, Dr. Sharma said "We believe that there is a growing need for high quality, affordable therapies
while reducing the healthcare cost burden. We are looking to combine expertise with adaptability.
Understanding specific market needs and backing it up with customer centric approach will form the core of
our strategy." The group plans to post sales of ¥ 20 billion in Japan by 2015.
SOURCE: Zydus Cadila
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